Gokul Debenture Refund Demand: Milk Producers March with Cows and Buffaloes to Gokul Office in Kolhapur
Led by director Shoumika Mahadik, the protest highlights the financial distress of farmers due to pending debenture refunds; demand for immediate repayment or milk rate hike before Diwali.
Kolhapur:
The Kolhapur District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union, popularly known as Gokul, is facing growing unrest among milk producers over the non-refund of amounts deducted towards debentures. With no positive response from the administration, the farmers — already struggling with financial difficulties ahead of Diwali — have taken to the streets demanding justice.
On Thursday (October 16), a massive protest march was organized from the Circuit House to Gokul’s main office at Tarabai Park. In a striking form of demonstration, milk producers brought along their cows and buffaloes to symbolize their livelihood struggles and draw attention to their demands. A large number of representatives from milk collection societies and union members participated in the rally.
The protest was led by Gokul director Shoumika Mahadik, who clarified that the agitation is not against the Gokul institution itself, but in support of the rightful dues of milk producers.
“The amount deducted towards debentures must be refunded immediately to the producers and societies. If that is not possible, Gokul should increase the milk procurement rates accordingly,” Mahadik said.
The delegation plans to submit a memorandum to the Gokul administration, pressing for urgent action.
This demonstration is expected to mount significant pressure on the management, and all eyes are now on what steps Gokul will take before Diwali to alleviate the financial distress of the district’s milk producers.
